"Enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life's difficult circumstances or 'hanging in there.' Ours is an active religion, helping God's children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day. Viewed from this perspective, enduring to the end is exalting and glorious, not grim and gloomy. This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, and deliverance. 'Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy' (2 Nephi 2:25).
"Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?", Ensign Nov. 2007, pp. 18-21
Click here to read the full talk
I admit to having had times in my life when I felt I was "enduring" in the most negative sense—gritting my teeth and barely hanging on, "passively tolerating" and desperately hoping for brighter days. President Uchtdorf shares a very different interpretation of the concept, and I love his description. The challenge is making it "come true" in our lives!
Perhaps the keys lie in his description, first, of a what he calls a "joyful religion." As we come to better understand the doctrines and practices of the Lord's gospel and the eternal plan of happiness, we find so many reasons for joy!
President Uchtdorf adds the insight of the necessity of the continuing process of filling our lives every day, every minute. And the process is "personal discipline following the commandments of God." As we fully, whole-heartedly apply the gospel principles in our thoughts and actions, we will discover the Lord's peace and joy.
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